State Opens Applications For Medical Pot Producers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Farmers, pharmacists and entrepreneurs, take note: It’s time to apply to grow and cultivate marijuana for the state’s new medical marijuana program.

Minnesota is seeking two manufacturers to grow, cultivate and supply the drug to patients starting in July 2015. The state was expected to post its request for applications Friday.

Interested manufacturers will have to lay out dense plans to satisfy the state’s new medical marijuana law, including security requirements like randomized delivery routes for the marijuana pills, liquids and vapors. Applicants must also pay a nonrefundable $20,000 fee.

The deadline for applications is Oct. 3, and the state hopes to pick its two producers by early December. Hundreds of interested people attended an informational conference put on by the state last month.